Paul Larkin

All roads across the Northumbria Police region which were closed earlier today due to wintry road conditions or flooding have now been re-opened.

All routes are now back in use after a day of disruption, but police are still advising motorists to drive with care, taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions.

A yellow (Be Aware) weather warning remains in place for the west of the region, where icy conditions are expected to cause problems on the roads. The alert for Northumberland and Durham currently runs until 10am tomorrow.

The Met Office says: “As rain, sleet and snow clear eastwards later on Saturday afternoon and evening, temperatures will fall sharply under clearing skies and will allow widespread icy stretches to form on untreated roads and pavements. Freezing fog patches may be another local hazard.

“Please be aware of the need to take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in the affected area.”

The chief forecasters assessment of tomorrow is: “Following a cold, wet day, with snow in places, clearer conditions will extend east across most areas during the late afternoon and early evening. With roads chilled by the mix of cold rain and snow, they will fall below freezing soon after the cloud breaks. As there may not be time to treat all roads before this happens, there is an increased ice risk across the area.”